Dental implants are being used more and more frequently in dentistry. They are not only used for improving aesthetics but also offer better stability and function. However, the pain associated with dental implants seems to pose a problem for many patients. This article is aimed at patients who are interested in dental implants or are about to undergo implantation and want to learn about what pain is normal during and after the procedure, how long it lasts, and when to seek medical help.
Our article discusses the following issues:
- Understanding dental implant pain: What’s normal and what’s not?
- When is dental implant pain a problem? Warning signs to watch
- How long does the pain last after getting a dental Implant?
- Dental implant vs. other procedures: Which hurts more?
Understanding dental implant pain: What’s normal and what’s not?
- Some discomfort after dental implant surgery is normal, especially within the first few days.
- This pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication and gradually improves as the area heals.
- However, persistent, sharp, or worsening pain could indicate an issue that requires professional evaluation.
Do dental implants hurt? Dental implant pain during surgery
The oral surgeon placing the implants surgically removes your teeth that are causing problems or replaces already missing teeth and then inserts the artificial root into the jawbone. After such an operation, swelling will occur in your face and gums. The swelling lasts only a few days; cold packs can help it subside faster. The cold packs also relieve discomfort, as do the painkillers you receive after the procedure. The surgery itself is not painful, as it is performed under local anesthesia. In some cases, implantation can also be done under general anesthesia. So you feel no pain during, only after the surgery.
Ways to relieve pain during surgery
As discussed above, there are two ways to relieve pain during surgery:
- Local anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia
Let’s see these in more detail now:
Local anaesthesia
Local anesthesia is one of the most common everyday methods of pain elimination. Dentists most frequently recommend and use this technique for implantation. Due to its effectiveness, low risk, and few side effects, this method is the most favorable. Local anesthesia serves to eliminate pain and defensive reflexes, while the patient remains awake and cooperative. During treatment, the anesthetic is injected close to the nerves responsible for supplying the teeth. Numbness is noticeable afterwards; after a short waiting period, the effect is tested, the injection is possibly repeated, and the procedure can begin.
General anaesthesia
In general anesthesia – also called narcosis – the patient is anesthetized with nitrous oxide by anesthesiologists. Anesthesia can be performed in two ways: with conscious sedation using nitrous oxide or with anesthesia procedure. Nitrous oxide is used as a supplement to the local anesthetic; it serves to reduce the feeling of anxiety about the surgery. Patients who are anxious patients due to previous unpleasant experiences during dental treatment require general anesthesia.
Dental implant pain after surgery
Your gums and skin may show bruising after the surgery. This is to be expected; they are consequences of a skin injury. Cold compresses additionally relieve the discomfort, and the bruising subsides within a few days. Pain or discomfort in the surgical area can occur for various reasons. In very rare cases, the injection during local anesthesia can hit a nerve, but blood clots and swelling caused by the injection can also be painful.
For larger surgical areas, longer-lasting and/or stronger pain is to be expected, and vice versa. Due to osseointegration, the process of placing dental implants can take months to complete. Some people fear months of pain and agony, but they are mistaken. In fact, you will experience pain related to the surgery itself, but these discomforts last only a short time. Three to five days are considered the longest period during which you might need painkillers to alleviate the discomfort.
Ways to relieve pain after surgery
It is normal to feel pain after such a procedure. The dentist will prescribe you painkillers for the first few days. After 2-3 days, the pain should completely subside. If the pain remains so intense for any reason that you need more painkillers, visit your doctor so they can evaluate the situation. Before undergoing the surgery, you must inform your doctor about the medications you take regularly. Some medications cause you to bleed more easily and therefore may need to be adjusted a few days before the implant placement. If you take one Aspirin Protect per day, this is one of the examples that can cause heavy bleeding after a surgical procedure. Aspirin thins the blood and increases bleeding even from a small cut.
The pain and swelling can be reduced not only with medication but also by following the prescribed lifestyle guidelines. Other tips: A correctly applied cold compress can help. Unnecessary touching and early stress on the surgical wound should be avoided. Dental implants are something many patients fear because they anticipate pain. Generally, patients find dental implants less painful than a normal tooth extraction, but this can vary from person to person. If you have doubts or concerns about the procedure, contact your doctor. They can give you all the important information and individual answers. For most patients, the pain level is tolerable, but in some cases, medical intervention may be necessary due to other complications. tooth extraction;
When is dental implant pain a problem? Warning signs to watch
- If you experience intense pain after several days, it may be a sign of infection or implant failure.
- Other warning signs include prolonged bleeding, swelling, or a bad taste from pus near the site.
If you also notice numbness or tingling in your lips or chin, please do not hesitate, see your dentist immediately. Such nerve-related symptoms must definitely be clarified. More about problem with the implantation
How long does the pain last after getting a dental Implant?
Right after the surgery, most patients feel pressure or pain for a few days – usually 2 to 5 days. After that, the discomfort improves significantly. Depending on how extensive the procedure was, it can take up to 10 days for the unpleasant feeling to completely disappear. The actual healing takes several months, but pain should not occur persistently during this time. If it lasts longer, please follow up!
Dental implant vs. other procedures: Which hurts more?
Surprising but true: Many patients report that placing a dental implant was less painful than a tooth extraction or a root canal treatment. Why? Modern surgical techniques and gentle sedation provide a more pleasant experience for many patients, although all procedures carry certain risks. Your doctor will inform you thoroughly about the expected benefits and risks. Often, it is the fear beforehand that is greater than the actual pain. Interested in how others have experienced it? Here you can find the dental implants pros and cons, Implant or bridge ?Check our dental implants before and after reviews.
